The Contact Revolution: Is Baseball About to Prioritize Hitting for Average Again?
DUNEDIN, Fla. – For years, baseball has been dominated by the “three true outcomes” – the home run, the walk, and the strikeout. But a shift may be underway. The Toronto Blue Jays’ near-miss in the 2025 World Series, fueled by a league-leading .265 team batting average, has sparked a conversation about the value of contact hitting in the modern game.
The Blue Jays’ Blueprint for Success
Toronto wasn’t just making contact; they were making quality contact. Four Blue Jays – Bo Bichette, George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Alejandro Kirk – finished among the top 25 qualified batters in average. This approach nearly carried them to a championship, losing a hard-fought Game 7 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“We train to be able to do anything in the batter’s box,” explained former Blue Jay Bo Bichette. “It’s not perfect all the time, but we train to be able to move a runner over, get a big hit when we demand to, get the ball in the air, hit with two strikes, whatever the situation may call for.”
Why Contact Matters in an Era of Power
Even as home runs still reign supreme, the Blue Jays’ success highlights a potential flaw in the power-centric approach. Toronto led the majors in hitting in both 2022 and was second in 2021, demonstrating consistency. They were tied for 11th in home runs but still managed a third-best OPS of .761, proving that consistent hits can be just as impactful.
Tampa Bay Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander succinctly put it: “If you don’t strike out and you’re impacting the ball for extra bases the way they were, that’s a really special combination.”
The Rising Velocity Challenge
Making contact is becoming increasingly difficult. The average four-seam fastball velocity has steadily increased, reaching 94.5 mph in 2025 – up from 91.9 mph in 2008. This trend demands hitters who can adjust and put the ball in play, even against elite pitching.
Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski acknowledged this challenge: “It’s tougher and tougher to make contact all the time with the pitching that’s out there.”
Historical Trends and Championship Success
Historically, a high batting average hasn’t always translated to World Series titles. Since 2002, only the 2018 Boston Red Sox and 2017 Houston Astros – both of whom led the majors in batting average – have won it all. However, the Blue Jays’ recent performance suggests a potential resurgence of this approach.
Teams like the Detroit Tigers, who led the league in batting average from 2013-2015, failed to capitalize on their hitting prowess, highlighting the need for a balanced approach.
The Future of Hitting: A Dual Focus
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider emphasizes the importance of versatility at the plate. “You don’t want to just…playing ping-pong,” he said. “We say all the time: What club do you take out of your bag? I think last year we had a lot of guys just hanging out with like a 7-iron the entire time. So when to leverage that, when to use a driver, and knowing that they can make contact is kind of a little safety net for ’em.”
This “dual focus” – combining contact skills with power – appears to be the key to sustained success. It’s about more than just hitting home runs; it’s about consistently putting the ball in play and capitalizing on opportunities.
FAQ
Q: Is hitting for average becoming more important in baseball?
A: The Toronto Blue Jays’ success suggests a potential shift towards prioritizing contact hitting alongside power.
Q: What is OPS?
A: OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging) is a statistic that combines a player’s ability to get on base with their power hitting.
Q: Has fastball velocity increased in recent years?
A: Yes, the average four-seam fastball velocity has been steadily increasing, making it more difficult for hitters to make contact.
Q: Which teams have recently led the league in batting average?
A: The Toronto Blue Jays led the majors in batting average in 2022 and 2025.
Did you grasp? The 2018 Boston Red Sox were the first team since 2002 to lead MLB in batting average and win the World Series.
Pro Tip: Focus on developing a versatile approach at the plate. Function on hitting to all fields and adjusting to different pitch velocities.
What are your thoughts on the future of hitting in baseball? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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